Anti-Money Laundering (AML) training has become essential for organisations operating in regulated sectors such as finance, legal services, property, and fintech. This guide explains the legal background behind AML training, who needs it, and highlights leading providers of AML e-learning courses available in the UK.
UK legislation requires firms to take proactive steps to prevent financial crime, and employee training is a key component of those compliance obligations.
Leading Anti-Money Laundering e-Learning Providers in the UK
Aleido UK
Aleido UK offers ready to go anti-money laundering courses to meet United Kingdom regulatory requirements, as well as those involved in doing business in the US, EU and worldwide.
Aleido is a global consultancy specialising in digital learning, technical documentation, and knowledge solutions. The company originated from the Swedish consultancy Semcon and was established as a standalone company in 2023. It has around 850 employees and operates internationally, with offices across Europe and Asia.
The anti-money laundering courses from Aleido UK can be delivered as SCORM compliant files for use in your own LMS, but the company can also provide digital learning platforms as part of a complete online training solution. With over 30 years of experience in learning services, the company creates both bespoke and off-the-shelf training content for compliance, technical knowledge, and professional development.
AML Training Capabilities
Aleido typically develops custom AML and financial-crime compliance training programmes tailored to specific organisations.
Their courses are designed to:
- Support regulatory compliance programmes
- Deliver engaging digital learning experiences
- Integrate with Learning Management Systems (LMS)
- Provide interactive scenarios and assessments
These solutions are commonly used by large organisations needing customised compliance training across multiple departments or countries.
Visit the Aleido UK Compliance Courses page for more information on their e-learning portfolio.
ICA (International Compliance Association)
The International Compliance Association is one of the best-known providers of compliance and financial crime training globally. It offers a wide range of AML courses, from short e-learning modules to professional diplomas.
Key Features
- Globally recognised AML certifications
- Online and blended learning formats
- Courses covering financial crime prevention, sanctions, and risk management
Typical Learners
Compliance officers, financial crime analysts, and senior risk professionals in banking and financial services.
Learn more about the ICA Anti-Money Laundering course on their website.
ACAMS (Association of Certified Anti‑Money Laundering Specialists)
ACAMS is an international professional association focused on financial crime prevention and AML education.
Key Features
- Online AML certification programmes
- Industry-recognised credentials such as CAMS
- Extensive global AML training resources
Typical Learners
AML specialists, compliance officers, financial investigators, and regulators.
Learn more about the ACAMS Anti-Money Laundering course on their website.
Apex Learning
Apex Learning offers CPD-accredited AML e-learning courses designed for UK compliance requirements.
Course Content
Their AML courses typically include:
- Understanding the stages of money laundering
- Customer Due Diligence and KYC procedures
- The role of the Money Laundering Reporting Officer (MLRO)
- Identifying and reporting suspicious transactions
- Applying UK AML legislation such as the Money Laundering Regulations and Proceeds of Crime Act.
Learning Format
- Self-paced online learning
- Certification on completion
- Multiple-choice assessments
Learn more about the Apex Learning Anti-Money Laundering course on their website.
Shasat
Shasat provides specialist training programmes focused on AML, compliance, and financial crime prevention.
Key Features
- Training aligned with FATF and international AML standards
- Online courses and in-house workshops
- Designed for compliance professionals and senior executives
Their programmes are widely used in sectors such as finance, legal services, insurance, and fintech.
Learn more about the Shasat Anti-Money Laundering course on their website.
Tayl
Tayl offers short AML awareness courses delivered entirely online.
Course Features
- Self-paced e-learning modules
- Introduction to AML regulations and financial crime risks
- Practical guidance on identifying suspicious activity
- Certificates issued on completion.
These courses are often used for staff awareness training and annual compliance refreshers.
Learn more about the Tayl Anti-Money Laundering course on their website.
Choosing the Right AML e-Learning Course
When selecting an AML training provider, organisations should consider:
Regulatory relevance
Courses should align with UK legislation such as the Money Laundering Regulations 2017.
Accreditation
Look for CPD-accredited or professionally recognised programmes.
Delivery format
Self-paced e-learning is ideal for large organisations and remote teams.
Customisation
Bespoke training may be necessary for organisations with complex compliance needs.
Assessment and certification
Courses should include testing and documented completion records for regulatory audits.
Background: UK Anti-Money Laundering Legislation
Anti-Money Laundering legislation aims to prevent criminals from disguising the origins of illegally obtained money and integrating it into the legitimate financial system. Money laundering typically occurs in three stages: placement, layering, and integration. Training programmes ensure employees can recognise suspicious activity and understand their legal responsibilities.
The UK’s AML framework is built on several key pieces of legislation:
Money Laundering Regulations 2017
The Money Laundering, Terrorist Financing and Transfer of Funds Regulations 2017 form the core of the UK AML regime. These regulations replaced earlier rules and introduced updated requirements aligned with international standards. They require regulated businesses to conduct risk assessments, implement policies and controls, perform customer due diligence, and report suspicious activities.
Proceeds of Crime Act 2002
This legislation makes money laundering a criminal offence in the UK and gives authorities the power to confiscate criminal assets.
Criminal Finances Act 2017
The Act strengthened the UK’s ability to tackle financial crime and expanded powers to recover criminal proceeds, including assets linked to tax evasion.
Sanctions and Anti-Money Laundering Act 2018
This law allows the UK to implement its own sanctions regime and strengthen measures for detecting and preventing money laundering and terrorist financing.
Together, these laws require organisations to maintain strong compliance programmes, including regular AML training for staff.
Who Needs AML Training?
AML training is typically required for professionals working in regulated industries where there is a risk of financial crime.
Common sectors requiring AML training include:
Financial Services
- Banks and building societies
- Investment firms
- Insurance providers
- Fintech companies
Professional Services
- Solicitors and law firms
- Accountants and auditors
- Trust and company service providers
Property and High-Value Goods
- Estate agents
- Art dealers
- High-value goods dealers
Other regulated sectors
- Gambling operators
- Money service businesses
- Cryptocurrency platforms
Employees involved in customer onboarding, transaction monitoring, compliance, risk management, or financial operations must usually receive AML training.
Typical learning objectives include:
- Understanding the stages of money laundering
- Conducting customer due diligence (CDD) and Know Your Customer (KYC) checks
- Recognising suspicious financial behaviour
- Reporting suspicious activity to authorities
- Understanding the responsibilities of the Money Laundering Reporting Officer (MLRO)
Many organisations deliver this training via e-learning platforms so that staff can complete modules online and maintain compliance records.
Conclusion
Anti-Money Laundering training plays a crucial role in protecting the UK financial system from criminal exploitation. With increasingly strict regulations and enforcement actions, organisations must ensure their staff understand AML risks, compliance requirements, and reporting obligations.
E-learning courses provide a flexible and scalable way to deliver this training. Providers such as Aleido, ICA (International Compliance Association), ACAMS (Association of Certified Anti‑Money Laundering Specialists), Apex Learning, Shasat, and Tayl offer a range of programmes suitable for organisations and professionals seeking to maintain compliance and strengthen financial crime prevention.